An M.Arch is "good enough" to get you pretty much any job that would be open to any entry-level architecture grad - except perhaps in one of those rare firms that have a bias toward B.Arch grads - usually because that's the route that the firm's principals took. Otherwise the B.Arch and M.Arch are equivalent in terms of accreditation standards and most surveys show that M.Arch grads do very slightly better in terms of entry-level salaries and benefits.

To get into a first-professional M.Arch program you usually just need a few pre-reqs: some that are typical are 1 semester or calculus, 1 semester or physics, 1 semester of freehand drawing (doesn't have to be in architecture) and sometimes 1 semester or art history and/or architecture history. I don't know what Calpoly Pomona has in terms of M.Arch programs, but many schools have 3 or 3.5-year programs for people with undergrad degrees in unrelated fields.

The AA in architectural design is more often the route that a person would take if their intention is to become a CAD drafter or technical support/production person in an architecture firm. It's not necessary in any way for applying to M.Arch programs. You don't generally need to have any CAD experience to start an M.Arch program.
If I were you I would take some freehand drawing classes, or other similar subjects that would help to produce visual work for your portfolio (painting, graphic design, landscape drawing, etc. could all be good choices). There's no expectation that as an applicant with a non-architecture background your portfolio would contain any architecture-specific work or any CAD or other computer-generated work.

i would suggest enrolling in one of the summer architecture programs at a school you would want to study architecture at. looks great on your application and helps you build a portfolio. plus, if you do well, they often will make sure you get into the program. i know there are a few (harvard has one.) does anyone have any info on these summer immersion programs?

jump start at UCLA is another program. i know several classmates of mine at UCLA have done it.

Thanks everyone!

Your inputs are all very helpful!
I've been for a while now trying to decide whether to enroll into art classes or architecture classes at a local community college. I guess I should go for the art classes.

What kind of things do schools usually look for in a portfolio anyways? From what I understand, they want more emphasis in artistry. Anyone know where I can find a sample portfolio?

Thanks again!

I went through a 3+ program for my degree. My classmates in the program had undergrad degrees in Structural Engineering, Art, Construction, and Finance.

I have heard of people submitting portfolios including music, poetry, and short stories, as well as more traditional contents.

Talk to some of the people at the program(s) you are considering and talk to them about what they would like to see in a portfolio. You may find useful guidance there, as well.

I have a B.S. in Psychology with no experience. I never took a course in drawing or architecture history. There were a couple of schools (Harvard I think?) that has those courses as prereqs so I didn't bother to apply.

For reference, see my profile for the list of schools I got accepted to/rejected from.


Portfolio

Basically some sculptures, drawings, and photography. Nothing spectacular, I just kinda did whatever came to mind, hoping the admissions people would see my personality.

Thanks cornellbox and OutsideDream86.

Those are some great feedbacks

tumbleweed,

believe me, considering my background, i've gone through the doubting and the questioning. and even now there are no guarantees, hence why i'm taking classes at a community college. the most i've taken are art classes which i absolutely enjoyed.

thanks for the suggestions. i will definitely keep those in mind.